Interviewer: Muhammad Abdulwahab Damilola , 

Guest: Zubair Fatima Ayo, a.k.a. Portable
Position: First Female Sports Director, Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA) and also Sports Director, National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), UNILORIN Chapter

In this exclusive interview, we speak with Zubair Fatima Ayo, fondly known as Portable, who has showcase female representation in campus sports administration at the University of Ilorin. She shares her journey, achievements, and aspirations during her historic tenure.

📍can we meet you ma?

Miss Fatima:
I’m Zubair Fatima Ayo, popularly known as Portable. I currently serve as the first female Sports Director of the Faculty of Arts and also the Sports Director of the National Association of Kwara State Students, UNILORIN Chapter.


📍As the first female Sports Director in FASA’s history, what would you say are your notable achievements so far?

Miss Fatima:
Alhamdulillah, we’ve accomplished quite a lot. One major milestone is the FASA League 1.0. It was the first ever faculty-based football league, and we were able to execute it successfully.

In addition to that, we hosted the Dean’s Cup, which, by all standards, was the most elaborate and impactful edition in the history of the faculty. It drew attention not just within the school but from the entire Kwara sports ecosystem.

📍Can you tell us more about the guests who graced the Dean’s Cup?

Miss Fatima:
Absolutely. We had a star-studded lineup of distinguished guests, including:

* The Kwara State Commissioner for Sports
* The Director of Sports, Kwara State Sports Commission
* The Chairman and members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara Chapter
* Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka**, Director of ABS Ilorin
* CEO of Abra Sports**
* MC Ayula, a multiple award-winning MC
* And several professional players from Kwara United, such as Wasiu Alade (former U-23 player for Nigeria ), Adekunle Segun a defender for a notable club, Akanni Hakim (midfielder, Kwara United), Olororo (captain for Kwara United), and many more from shooting stars. It was a truly remarkable experience.


📍That’s impressive. What laurels has the faculty won under your leadership?

Fatima:
Earlier this session, we participated in the Students’ Union Freshers’ Cup—and **we won both the male and female categories. This is the first time in the faculty’s history that we’re coming home with **two trophies in one session, and in fact, I believe it’s our first trophy in a long while.


📍What challenges did you face while preparing for these sporting events?

Fatima:
Challenges? Plenty! The most pressing one is funding. Most times, the amount officially approved doesn’t cover even half of the logistics required. But I had to go the extra mile—mobilizing personal support, talking to sponsors, and managing resources wisely to make things happen.

📍What inspired you to contest for the office, and what would you say to aspiring female sports directors?

Miss Fatima:
Funny enough, I wasn’t interested in politics at all. I contested because someone believed in me—my predecessor in the department’s sports unit. He said, “You’re the only one I trust with this role.” That trust pushed me.

To aspiring female sports leaders, I’ll say:

> “If you can dream it, you can live it.”

You’ll need personal motivation and, importantly, sponsors who believe in your dream. With the right support, anything is possible.

📍Do you have any recommendations for the faculty or university to better support sports development?

Miss Fatima:
Yes. The university needs to invest more in sports, especially in female sports development. We have so many talented ladies who can compete at national and even international levels, but we’re not giving them the platform they deserve.

Take, for instance, one of our athletes who recently represented Kwara State at the National Sports Festival—that’s talent we should be nurturing!

Miss Fatima:
Sports gave me a voice, a platform, and a purpose beyond the classroom. I hope more women realize that there is space for them in sports, and that space can lead to greatness.

Zubair Fatima Ayo’s story is not just one of sporting success—it is a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and breaking gender norms. As her tenure winds down, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire the next generation of female leaders in sports and beyond.